Florida Snapshots: Ft. Lauderdale Beach

A beachside promenade set the new tone for a favorite destination

 

The south Florida strand that was once ground zero for college spring break revelry has since undergone a complete transformation into one of Florida’s toniest beachfront destinations. Vintage properties that once hosted raucous fraternity keggers and wet T-shirt contests have been supplanted by trendy sidewalk cafes, eclectic shops and chic hotels that cater to a decidedly more sophisticated and international clientele.

Beautiful people and families alike hit the beach for a range of diversions that includes parasailing, snorkeling and beach volleyball. Running parallel to the traffic-calmed lanes of Highway A1A is a four-mile, palm-fringed brick promenade that entices walkers, joggers and rollerbladers to strut their stuff.